Watertown Police: Man dumped gas on door at residence, lit it on fire

WATERTOWN, NY — Dustin R. King, 34, of 9565 East Road, Lowville, was charged by Watertown police at 3:46 a.m. Thursday, Jan. 9, in the 500 block of Binsse St. with second-degree arson, a felony, and fourth-degree criminal mischief, a misdemeanor.

He is accused of dumping gasoline on a rear entry door at 587 Morrison St. and lit it on fire while knowing the victim, Martin Coughlin, 51, was inside the residence at about 2:48 a.m. Thursday, according to court documents.

The fire caused damage to the siding and wiring of the exterior of the residence, police said.

He was arraigned at 10 a.m. Thursday before City Judge Eugene R. Renzi who sent him to the Metro-Jefferson Public Safety Building with bail set at $5,000 cash or $20,000 bond.